Food for Thought: The Multi-Tasking Reader

The bookworm's ultimate dilemma: so many books to read so little time. However, we combat this age old problem by multi-tasking; two books, three books, four books at a time. But sometimes it simply gets to be too much. But I have a philosophy. 

I've been in a mood lately where I have a billion types of stories I want to read all at the same time. Currently, I'm reading two books; The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and The Secret Diary of Lizzie Bennet by Bernie Su and I am about to add on a third, Great Expectations by Charles Dickens. I started reading the gorgeous and bone chilling Bell Jar, but found that the character's story, falling into madness, was so immersive it became a tad too depressing. So I countered it with the light-hearted cuteness of Lizzie Bennet's Diary, the book counterpart of the Lizzie Bennet Diaries web series (which is too perfect for words). But then of course I watched the 2012 adaptation of Great Expectations, fell in love, and now I have to pick it up as well. And thus I descend into reading madness.

How much is too much?

Well, a lot of books can be hard to handle at one time. However, reading is meant to be a fun and intellectually satisfying  experience. So, why not have it all? The fun books, the sad books, the dramatic, the mysterious, the adventurous, the in between. I think the best way to be a multi-tasking reader is to:

-Read books that contrast so the stories and messages behind them don't blur together.

This way you can pick up different books according to your mood.

-Read what you want! 

Reading is meant to bring you joy and fullfulment, so go for it! :)

What do you think about reading multiple books at once? Is there a limit? Can you focus on many stories, plots, characters, and themes simultaneously? Let me know! 

Much love,

Aly

Outfit of the Day: Vintage Dream

The classy looks are in and my Audrey Hepburn heart is so statisfied! To me, style is looking wonderfully effortless and never being too uncomfortable. While some will argue beauty is pain I say it doesn't have to be. You can always find ways to feel comfortable and glamorous at the same time. Nothing better captures this idea than the simple vintage looks. They're sophisticated, chic, feminine and truly quite bold. Vintage styles always make me want to embrace being a girl, by feeling and looking confident and classy.

Today brought another day of school. (Woo senior year) and I went back to basics with a light boxy blouse, mid-length skirt, and pointed t-strap ballet flats along with my trusted faux leather messenger bag for all my lovely schools books and supplies (school yay?)  

Keep it classy!

Much love,

Aly 

Shirt: BP by Nordstrom, Skirt: Painted Threads by Nordstrom, Necklace: Nordstrom, Shoes: Aldo, Bag: H&M

                                                                                      

I'm loving pointed toes and t-straps right now! They've got a distinctly vintage look but they're also so  timeless and not to mention quite comfy. :)

Balmy Blitz: Go bare, get accessorized, make a hot day stylish!

Today was that unnerving kind of hot where you aren't dripping in sweat, it's not sweltering outside but there's just a sort of balminess in the breeze. Sticky. Gross.
Of course, I chose today of all days to clean out and re-organize my entire room, closet, dresser, desk, bathroom, you get the idea. The point is, it wasn't too fun. However, after all my work was accomplished I stepped out of the shower and felt like a new person. And what does every freshly organized girl need on such a day? A stylish ensemble of course!
On hot days I go barefaced, make-up is unnecessary. While this sometimes can make me, being the "hormone crazed" teen that I am, feel self-conscious it makes my face feel free and better equipped to deal with the heat. I highly encourage going bare faced from time to time. As a teen our pores are clogged enough as it is, freeing your skin of thick foundation and other products is a great way to calm down the pores and, on a hot day, fight those heat waves. Don't be afraid to show off your face, be bare and be you! Trust me it's way more liberating than you'd think!
I started off with my trusty pair of boyfriend jeans and a light weight cotton crop. The crop opens in the back, which I think is a must on a hot day like this one.    
                                                                                 

(Shirt: Urban Outfitters, Headband: Forever 21)

(Jeans: American Eagle, Shoes: Steve Madden)     

In the summertime I always end up bored with my shorts. I start to crave my jeans, leggings, and tights. Surprisingly enough boyfriend jeans are a great way to switch things up. I love how light they feel, with plenty of rips and tears to provide air circulation. These have a pretty loose fit which I also like. Boyfriend jeans are classic, simple and look good on virtually every body type. Plus, American Eagle is great on style minus the sticker shock. Seeing as I'm a 17-year-old high school senior, cash is often hard to come by. These jeans were $19.99 and my Steve Madden's were $30 on sale, so, pretty manageable.  

Personally, I've always loved outfits that blur the gender stereotypes. I like to mix things up and not confine myself to one style. In this case, the jeans are more "boyish" but I put a spin on that with the heels, and later, some jewelry and a fun bag. The heels class up the simple look of the jeans and the peep-toes have a very summery vibe. 

Add more to your basic balmy day look with accessories. A simple jean and cotton tee outfit can turn to a full fledged fashion forward ensemble in seconds just by adding a bag, bracelets, rings, and a belt. I always used to be so hesitant with accessories but I've become more willing to use them recently. What I've found is, while there is a line somewhere, basically, you can never have too many accessories. They make an outfit truly shine. Also make sure to give your outfit a pop of color. Brightly colored accessories can really kick an outfit into high gear, You can have a basic colored back drop but liven it up with a colorful piece of jewelry or a purse, anything you like really.  

(Purse: Jazzed, Lace sweater: ALEX Evenings, Rings and bracelet: Hand-crafted, from boutiques in San Francisco and Utah, Belt: Target) 

This balmy and sticky cleaning day turned fun the minute I changed, threw on some accessories but kept my face bare. Take charge of the heat in style. You can be glamorous any day, despite the weather! :)

Keep being style seekers!

Much love,

Aly